VU

Aiphanes palm

Aiphanes chiribogensis

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Aiphanes chiribogensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's montane regions, which directly destroys its cloud forest habitat. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized deforestation, while its slow growth rate limits natural recovery. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems where this palm depends on consistent fog and humidity.

Threat summary

Habitat

This palm species inhabits cloud forests and humid montane forests in the Ecuadorian Andes, typically occurring at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. It requires consistent moisture from fog and high humidity levels characteristic of these specialized ecosystems.

Other threatened species in Arecaceae

CR

Reinhardtia koschnyana

Unknown
VU

Attalea nucifera

Unknown
Aiphanes graminifoliaCR

Aiphanes graminifolia

Unknown
VU

Ceroxylon parvifrons

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Aiphanes palm classified as Vulnerable?
Aiphanes palm is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Aiphanes chiribogensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's montane regions, which directly destroys its cloud forest habitat. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized deforestation, while its slow growth rate limits natural recovery. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems where this palm depends on consistent fog and humidity.
Where does Aiphanes palm live?
Aiphanes palm occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Aiphanes palm?
The main threats to Aiphanes palm are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.